Uapaca Bojeri Research Articles

Quali-Quantitative Fingerprinting of the Fruit Extract of Uapaca bojeri Bail. (Euphorbiaceae) and Its Antioxidant, Analgesic, Anti-Inflammatory, and Antihyperglycemic Effects: An Example of Biodiversity Conservation and Sustainable Use of Natural Resources in Madagascar.

Antioxidants are important supplements for the human body for their roles in human life for the maintenance of homeostasis. Tapia fruits (Uapaca bojeri) are used by the riverain population of the Tapia forests in Madagascar as complementary foods. This study aims to quantify the main antioxidants in the U. bojeri fruits to verify their contribution to the enhancement of their anti-inflammatory and antihyperglycemic effects. Standard phytochemical screening was used for qualitative analysis, while spectrophotometric (TPC, TAC, and TFC) and chromatographic analyses (HPLC) were used to quantify several phytochemicals in U. bojeri fruits. The antioxidant activity was evaluated using DPPH and FRAP assays. The writhing test was used for the analgesic effects, the carrageenan-induced paw edema was used for the anti-inflammatory activity, and OGTT was used to test the anti-hyperglycemia property of the MEUB in mice. Several phytocompounds were detected and quantified in the fruits, including succinic acid (67.73%) as the main quantified compound. Fruits exerted a good antioxidant capacity and showed analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antihyperglycemic activities in mice. Isolation of the bioactive compounds should be carried out to confirm these pharmacological properties and develop health-promoting food products or medicinal applications derived from this species.

The interplay of disturbance, vegetation structure, and propagule pressure contributes to Pinus kesiya invasion in Tapia woodland, Madagascar

The interplay of disturbance, vegetation structure, and propagule pressure contributes to Pinus kesiya invasion in Tapia woodland, Madagascar

Uapaca bojeri

This datasheet on Uapaca bojeri covers Identity.

Selizitapia gen. nov. (Hemiptera: Fulgoromorpha: Flatidae) from tapia woodlands of Madagascar

A new monotypic genus of flatid planthoppers (Hemiptera: Fulgoromorpha: Flatidae), Selizitapia gen. nov., is described for Selizitapia pennyi gen. et sp. nov. (type species) from the island of Madagascar. Habitus, male and female external and internal genital structures of the new species are illustrated and compared with similar taxa. Selizitapia pennyi gen. et sp. nov. is endemic to Madagascar where it is known to date only from one locality in the Central Plateau and is associated with tapia woodland formation.

Madagascan highlands: originally woodland and forest containing endemic grasses, not grazing-adapted grassland.

Long considered a consequence of anthropogenic agropastoralism, the origin of Madagascar's central highland grassland is hotly disputed. Arguments that ancient endemic grasses formed grassland maintained by extinct grazers and fire have been persuasive. Consequent calls to repeal fire-suppression legislation, burn protected areas, and accept pastoralism as the 'salvation' of endemic grasses mount, even as the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) declares 98% of lemurs face extinction through fire-driven deforestation. By analysing grass data from contemporary studies, and assessing endemic vertebrate habitat and feeding guilds, we find that although the grassland potentially dates from the Miocene, it is inhospitable to endemic vertebrates and lacks obligate grazers. Endemic grasses are absent from dominant grassland assemblages, yet not from woodland and forest assemblages. There is compelling evidence that humans entered a highland dominated by woodland and forest, and burned it; by 1000 current era (CE), grass pollens eclipsed tree pollens, reminiscent of prevailing fire-induced transformation of African miombo woodland to grassland. Endemic grasses are survivors from vanished woody habitats where grassy patches were likely small and ephemeral, precluding adaptive radiation by endemic vertebrates to form grazing-guilds. Today forests, relic tapia woodland, and outcompeted endemic grasses progressively retreat in a burning grassland dominated by non-endemic, grazing-adapted grasses and cattle.

953. UAPACA BOJERI

SummaryUapaca bojeri Baill. (Phyllanthaceae), is a tree species endemic to Madagascar, colloquially known as ‘tapia’, that forms monodominant grassy woodlands in a series of disconnected populations across the Central Highlands. Uapaca bojeri and the ecosystems it forms are culturally, economically and scientifically important to Madagascar. The species, Uapaca bojeri, and the ecosystems it dominates, are in need of new research and conservation efforts to understand how sustainable use of the species can align with its conservation and that of the unique plants and animals special to the tapia woodlands.

Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory, and Antidiabetic Activities of Leaves and Stems of Uapaca bojeri Bail. (EUPHORBIACEAE), an Endemic Plant of Madagascar

Uapaca bojeri is an endemic Malagasy plant used by the local population. This work aimed to evaluate antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antidiabetic activities of the methanol extracts of U. bojeri leaves and stems and to report their total phenolic content and the bioactive compound content by HPLC methods. Antioxidant capacity was determined by DPPH and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays. An in vivo carrageenan-induced paw oedema and acetic acid-induced writhing test in mice were used for anti-inflammatory activity evaluation. An oral glucose tolerance test was performed in mice to evaluate antidiabetic activity. The total bioactive compound content of leaves was higher than that of stems. Stem methanol extract inhibited the free radical DPPH more than the leaf methanol extract. Leaf methanol extract inhibited, in a dose-dependent manner, the carrageenan-induced paw oedema more than the stem extract, but their inhibition of the pain symptoms caused an acetic acid-induced decrease similar to the number of writhes in the dose-dependent case. The leaf and stem methanol extracts significantly reduced blood glucose levels after 30 min of glucose loading in mice compared to the control group blood glucose reduction. The presence of several bioactive compounds in U. bojeri contributed to the different biological activities, but isolation and identification of these bioactive molecules are necessary to confirm these pharmacological properties.

Fourteen years of anthropization dynamics in the Uapaca bojeri Baill. forest of Madagascar

Anthropization of forest landscapes is a major threat to ecosystems and biodiversity. To gather comprehensive information on anthropization dynamics in forest landscapes, fine-scale surveys of deforestation are required, coupled with detailed analysis of both spatial transformation processes and forest patch geometry. We conducted such a comprehensive study in a monospecific Uapaca bojeri (Baill.) forest of Madagascar, between 1999 and 2013. A diachronic set of four maps was produced and deforestation rates were calculated. Spatial transformation processes were described using Bogaert et al. (2004) typology. Forest patch geometry was monitored using largest patch index, mean patch size, and squared mean patch size to describe patch size dynamics, mean shape index and area weighted mean shape index to describe patch compactness, and fractal dimension analysis to describe patch outline complexity. For fractal dimension analysis, an innovative segmented regression model (Muggeo 2008) was used to separately quantify fractal dimensions for multiple ranges of patch sizes. Our results showed a growing anthropization of the U. bojeri forest landscape in the area, through a strong yet decelerating deforestation (from − 59.5% year−1 between 1999 and 2005 to − 2.84% year−1 between 2009 and 2013), clear forest fragmentation, and a subtle yet growing-in-scale simplification of patch geometry for small forest patches. Deforestation was artisanal in nature and, in 2013, large patches were withdrawing to less accessible topographic features. Our results forecast a medium-term loss of resilience of the U. bojeri forest in the area, if no direct forest conservation measures are taken.

Effects of heat on the germination of sclerophyllous forest species in the highlands of Madagascar

AbstractThe effects of fire on germination have been extensively studied in many ecosystems. Several studies have shown that plant species in ecosystems frequently exposed to fire can survive through two main mechanisms: vegetative regeneration (re‐sprouts) and recruitment of new individuals from a fire‐resistant seed bank. In Africa, an increase in temperature can break seed dormancy and stimulate germination of some herbaceous and woody species. In Madagascar, the once widespread highland ecosystems dominated by woody species are now highly fragmented and dominated by anthropic grasslands and fields, with a significantly reduced area occupied by sclerophyllous forests referred to as ‘tapia woodlands’. Six species of this endemic vegetation type were studied: Abrahamia ibityensis (Anacardiaceae), Aphloia theiformis (Aphloiaceae), Carissa edulis (Apocynaceae), Pentachlaena latifolia (Sarcolaenaceae), Uapaca bojeri (Phyllanthaceae) and Vaccinium secundiflorum (Ericaceae). Germination tests were conducted (i) by soaking seeds in water for 24 h (imbibition) or (ii) by exposing the seeds to dry heat. Four different temperatures (40, 60, 80 and 120°C) were applied, and seeds were exposed for 10, 30, 60 and 90 min. To simulate hotter faster‐burning fires, two higher temperatures (100 and 120°C) were also used by exposing seeds to dry heat for 5 min. The results did not reveal any significant effect of 24‐h water imbibition on germination. For most species, germination decreased with increasing temperature of treatment using dry heat. Uapaca bojeri did not germinate under any treatment. Further studies on the biological and ecological characteristics of tapia woodland species in response to fire are needed to help guide conservation, management and restoration activities focusing on this endemic vegetation type.

Fire and the reproductive phenology of endangered Madagascar sclerophyllous tapia woodlands

Tapia woodland vegetation is a remnant of Madagascar sclerophyllous forest that has developed under the selective pressure of fire and is dominated by the endemic tree Uapaca bojeri (Phyllanthaceae), locally named tapia. We carried out a 2-year study in tapia woodland at Ibity mountain, a new protected area in central highlands of Madagascar. We aimed to describe the reproductive phenology of this vegetation type and to determine whether it is affected by fire. We addressed two main questions: 1) does fire frequency affect the proportion of reproducing individuals and the intensity of each flowering and fruiting event?; and 2) does fire frequency influence the reproductive synchrony of species across the landscape? Thirteen woody species (373 individuals) were sampled at six sites selected across the Ibity mountain, where three that were burned three times between 2000 and 2010 and three burned just once during the decade. We found that (1) fire reduced the percentage of individuals that participate in each phenophase, and flower and fruit production was lower at the more frequently burned sites; and (2) increased fire frequency reduced the reproductive synchronization of species throughout the landscape. Fire is recognized as one of the major disturbances affecting mortality and recruitment of trees in tapia woodland. Our study indicates that fire also impacts the timing of plant reproduction at community and landscape levels.

Comparison of plant communities on the Ibity and Itremo massifs, Madagascar, with contrasting conservation histories and current status

Background: Deforestation processes and species extinction on islands have made them the focus of substantial efforts to create and strengthen local environmental organisations, establish new protected areas and improve natural resource management. In Madagascar, despite promising new policies, the flora and fauna are under serious threat. More than 80% of the island shows a significant loss of natural plant cover. Current levels of diversity reflect natural disturbance regimes, with fire representing one of the more important factors.Aims: We compared two new protected areas (Ibity and Itremo) with different environmental and management contexts to identify the roles and impacts of the environmental conditions and the different types of management applied by their respective local communities on vegetation. Both areas have extensive stands of tapia (Uapaca bojeri) woodland.Methods: Herbaceous vegetation surveys were carried out enumerating 16 1-m² quadrats in each of 10 sites on Ibity and seven on Itremo to characterise plant community composition and structure, complemented by tree and shrub surveys within three 40 × 40 m quadrats at each site.Results: Floristic richness was higher at Ibity. Populations of U. bojeri were better conserved at Itremo.Conclusions: While the total exclusion of fire is impracticable, careful management should enable the maintenance of natural conditions and at least lead to a reduction in the impacts on the structure of tapia woodland vegetation.

Restoring native forest ecosystems after exotic tree plantation in Madagascar: combination of the local ectotrophic species Leptolena bojeriana and Uapaca bojeri mitigates the negative influence of the exotic species Eucalyptus camaldulensis and Pinus patula

The objectives of this study were to determine the impact of two exotic tree species (pine and eucalypts) on the early growth of Uapaca bojeri (an endemic tree species from Madagascar) via their influence on soil chemical, microbial characteristics, on ectomycorrhizal fungal community structures in a Madagascarian highland forest and to test the ability of an early-successional ectomycorrhizal shrub, Leptolena bojeriana, to mitigate the impacts of these exotic species. Finally, we hypothesized that L. bojeriana could act as a natural provider for ectomycorrhizal propagules. Soil bioassays were conducted with U. bojeri seedlings grown in soils collected under the native tree species (U. bojeri and L. bojeriana) and two exotic tree species (Eucalyptus camaldulensis and Pinus patula) and in the same soils but previously cultured by L. bojeriana seedlings. This study clearly shows that (1) the introduction of exotic tree species induces significant changes in soil biotic and abiotic characteristics, (2) exotic-invaded soil significantly reduces the early growth and ectomycorrhization of U. bojeri seedlings and (3) L. bojeriana decreased these negative effects of the exotic tree species by facilitating ectomycorrhizal establishment and consequently improved the U. bojeri early growth. This study provides evidence that L. bojeriana can facilitate the ectomycorrhizal infection of U. bojeri and mitigates the negative effects of the introduction of exotic tree species on the early growth of the native tree species. From a practical point of view, the use of ectotrophic early-successional shrub species should be considered to improve forest resaturation after exotic invasion.

Endemic Families of Madagascar. XI. A new critically endangered species ofSchizolaena(Sarcolaenaceae) from Tapia woodland in south-central Madagascar

Rabehevitra D. & Lowry II P. P. 2009. — Endemic Families of Madagascar. XI. A new critically endangered species of Schizolaena (Sarcolaenaceae) from Tapia woodland in south-central Madagascar. Adansonia, sér. 3, 31 (1): 149-155.Schizohena isaloensis Rabehevitra & Lowry is described based on material from a small area of highly degraded, seasonally burned Tapia woodland near the southern limit of the Isalo National Park in south-central Madagascar. The species is illustrated and colour photographs are presented of an isolated remnant individual. The species most closely resembles another subhumid forest member of the genus, S. microphylla H. Perrier, from which it differs by several leaf characters, including the size and shape of the blade, the form of the apex, the prominence of the secondary venation on the abaxial surface and the density of its indumentum, and by its smaller flowers with more narrow petals. Schizolaena isaloensis is assigned a preliminary conservation status of Critically Endangered using the IUCN Red List criteria.

Arbuscular mycorrhizas and ectomycorrhizas of Uapaca bojeri L. (Euphorbiaceae): sporophore diversity, patterns of root colonization, and effects on seedling growth and soil microbial catabolic diversity

The main objectives of this study were (1) to describe the diversity of mycorrhizal fungal communities associated with Uapaca bojeri, an endemic Euphorbiaceae of Madagascar, and (2) to determine the potential benefits of inoculation with mycorrhizal fungi [ectomycorrhizal and/or arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi] on the growth of this tree species and on the functional diversity of soil microflora. Ninety-four sporophores were collected from three survey sites. They were identified as belonging to the ectomycorrhizal genera Afroboletus, Amanita, Boletus, Cantharellus, Lactarius, Leccinum, Rubinoboletus, Scleroderma, Tricholoma, and Xerocomus. Russula was the most frequent ectomycorrhizal genus recorded under U. bojeri. AM structures (vesicles and hyphae) were detected from the roots in all surveyed sites. In addition, this study showed that this tree species is highly dependent on both types of mycorrhiza, and controlled ectomycorrhization of this Uapaca species strongly influences soil microbial catabolic diversity. These results showed that the complex symbiotic status of U. bojeri could be managed to optimize its development in degraded areas. The use of selected mycorrhizal fungi such the Scleroderma Sc1 isolate in nursery conditions could be of great interest as (1) this fungal strain is very competitive against native symbiotic microflora, and (2) the fungal inoculation improves the catabolic potentialities of the soil microflora.

The “Degraded” Tapia Woodlands of Highland Madagascar: Rural Economy, Fire Ecology, and Forest Conservation

Madagascar is well known for deforestation. However, highland “tapia” (Uapaca bojeri) woodlands may present a counterexample of indigenous management leading to woodland conservation. Contrary to common wisdom that these woodlands are degraded, tapia woodland extent and composition have seen little change this century. Tapia woodlands harbor many benefits, including wild silkworms (whose cocoons have been harvested for centuries to weave expensive burial shrouds), fruit, fuelwood, mushrooms, edible insects, and herbal medicines. As a result, villagers shape and maintain the woodlands. Burning favors the dominance of pyrophitic tapia trees and protects silkworms from parasites. Selective cutting of non-tapia species and pruning of dead branches also favors tapia dominance and perhaps growth. Finally, local and stateimposed regulations protect the woodlands from overexploitation. These processes—burning, cutting, and protection—are embedded in complex and dynamic social, political, economic, and ecological contexts, which are integral to the tapia woodlands as they exist today. As a result, I argue on a normative level that the creation and maintenance of the woodlands should not be seen as “degradation,” but rather as a creative ”transformation.“

Sarcolaena isaloensis, a New Species of Sarcolaenaceae from Isalo, South-Central Madagascar

Sarcolaena isaloensis, a New Species of Sarcolaenaceae from Isalo, South-Central Madagascar